VW BlueSport Roadster: 30 New High Res Photos of Mid-Engined, RWD Sportscar

If you want any more proof that Volkswagen's BlueSport roadster concept is heading towards production, just consider the fact that the German firm has not only given the car an internal development code name but it also invited a number of journalists to take the one-off concept for a quick test drive. Furthermore, VW has published a brand new photo album of the car on the road, that you can check out in all its high-res glory after the jump.

Even though VW officials may not publicly admit it, the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive BlueSport roadster that was revealed for the first time at this year's Detroit Show, is essentially a low-cost alternative to the Porsche Boxster.

"The two-seater is still a concept, but as a production car it would have the best talents for turning the segment of compact, genuine sports cars upside down," said VW in a statement. "That is because this roadster is sporty, sustainable and affordable all at once – a people's car and a sports car for a new era."

Developed with a 'back to basics' approach, the concept version of the 3.99 meter long BlueSport roadster is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI turbocharged diesel engine that cranks out 180HP and 350Nm or 258.2-lbs/ft of torque which is transferred to the rear axle through a 6-speed dual clutch transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

With the 180HP 2.0 TDI, the soft-top roadster that weighs in at less than 1,200kg (2,645-lbs), can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in about 6.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 226km/h or 141mph. Volkswagen claims that the two-seater roadster can deliver an average fuel consumption of just 4.3 liters per 100km (54.7mpg US). In combination with the 50-liter tank, the car's theoretical range is greater than 1,150 kilometers or 715-miles.

If, or rather when the Roadster enters production, expect to see an array of turbocharged gasoline (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines that will most likely include the 160HP 2.0 TDI, the 1.4 TSI with 122HP as well as the Scirocco R's 265HP 2.0 TSI.

The German firm promises that in spite of the car's sporty credentials, the roadster still offers a respectable level of everyday utility. In the cargo area under the front hood, the Concept BlueSport can stow 112 liters of luggage while the rear trunk handle an additional 70 liters of cargo. Altogether that makes 182 liters or 20% more space than what the Mazda MX-5 / Miata offers (150 liters).

If all goes well and the BlueSport Roadster receives the final green light for production, the first cars could arrive at VW showrooms around late 2012.

2012 Porsche Boxster Spied on its way to Nurburgring

With the facelifted Boxster only just revealed at last November's Los Angeles Auto Show you'd think that Porsche's development team would take it easy for the time being. Apparently not as our always eager for a scoop spies have caught the all-new next generation Boxster out on its way for testing at the Nurbugring race track. At a first glance it looks like not much has changed but a closer view reveals that the prototype features a more curvalicious rear-end and slightly altered proportions.

Of course, since we are talking about Porsche -the maker of the 911 that has kept the same shape for decades- don't expect to see something totally new. What other carmakers would call a facelift will be dubbed by Porsche as an all-new design. However, what you should expect to see is a totally revamped interior blending styling elements from both the next-generation 911 (998) due in 2011 and the new Panamera.

And what about under the skin? As with the current Boxster, its replacement will share many parts with the 911 while Porsche's engineers will definitely try to further reduce the car's weight. Interestingly, it is said that Porsche may also utilize the new aerodynamic systems like the front air intake mechanisms that it's preparing for the new 998.

Porsche sources imply that the 2012 Boxster's engine and transmission lineup that includes manual and PDK twin-clutch gearboxes will be carried over from today's model with minimal improvements. Currently, the facelifted Boxster is offered with a 2.9-liter direct-injection straight six that cranks out 250HP and a 3.4-liter straight six also benefiting from direct fuel injection that delivers 310HP.

There has been talk about the possibility of Porsche offering an entry-level four-cylinder engine due to the stricter CO2 emission regulations that are being enforced in several key markets, but this has yet to be confirmed. If the rumors turn out to be true, we'd suspect that the four-pot unit would come from Porsche's German stablemate, Audi.

The new Boxster will most likely make its world debut sometime in 2011 with sales following towards the end of the year or early 2012.